POEMS, RHYMES 




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COPYRIGHT DEPOSfD 



Poems, Rhymes, and 
Sayings 



By 



TIMOTHY BLOOMFIELD EDGAR 



^ 



Privately Printed 



MCMI 



hlF UtBRARV Cf 

CONGRESS, 
Two OuriEf, Receivec 

NOV. 2'i. 100^ 

-COPYHIOWT ENTR^- 

CwASS- O- XX. NO 
COPY B. 






Copyright, igoi 
By T. B. Edgar 



UNIVERSITY PRESS • JOHN WILSON 
AND SON • CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A. 



PREFACE 



IN presenting this little volume to his 
friends and to the public, the author 
thinks it proper to make some explanation 
with regard to the circumstances which led 
to its production. 

When about eighty years of age, I discov- 
ered my sight was failing. After having been 
treated by several different oculists with but 
little if any benefit, I concluded that probably 
I should ultimately lose my sipht. 

This led me to consider what I could do 
to relieve me in case this misfortune should 
occur. In revolving this matter Qver in my 
mind, I concluded that there might still be 
left for me mental or intellectual pleasure and 
enjoyment in reviewing what I had read and 
learned before I came to be deprived of my 
sight. With this in view I commenced read- 
mg and studying passages in the favorite poets 
and committing some of the more significant 
and best-known passages to memory. In this 
way I continued as long as my sight would 



PREFACE 

enable me to read, thus giving my mind 
pleasant subjects for contemplation. 

When no longer able to read on account 
of the gradual failure of my sight, I com- 
menced to compose pieces, mostly for my 
own amusement, on various subjects such as 
I thought and beUeve interest most thinking 
people. 

In these rhymes and sayings I do not pre- 
sume to state anything new or startling, but 
simply to remind the readers of subjects and 
circumstances which doubtless they have ex- 
perienced from time to time in their own 
individual lives. In writing them I have 
endeavored to avoid any statements or senti- 
ments which would be obnoxious to any sect 
or religious denomination. 

My object has been rather to encourage 
ethics or morals and to cultivate kindly feel- 
ings and sentiments with each other. 

How far I have succeeded in this readers 
will judge for themselves. 

T. B. EDGAR. 

St. Louis, Mo., 
August, 1 901. 



VI 



CONTENTS 



Page 

To My Mother i 

A Favorite Family 4 

Waiting for Spring 7 

Dame Nature 8 

To Fair Iva , 9 

"War" 10 

Passion 12 

The World 13 

The Strike 14 

The Hero of Manila Bay 18 

The Old Man's Lament Z2 

The Ocean at Rye Beach 23 

To Miss C. B ,24 

Rye Beach, N. H 25 

Scenes at Glens Falls 27 

The Noonday Club 28 

To Ethel 30 

The Golden Rule 31 

To Fair Elizabeth 34 

vii 



CONTENTS 

Page 

To Cousin Jane 35 

Wealth 36 

Hospital Day at St. Louis, Mo 37 

Tiger-Lily 40 

Christmas Chimes 41 

The Enjoyment of Life 42 

The Grim Reaper 44 

Nature 45 

The Violet 47 

A Soldier's Life 48 

Our Domestics 50 

To a Friend 51 

Retrospective View 52 

The Stranger's Life 53 

Snow 59 

Star Life 62 

To A Lady Friend 65 

To A Friendly Neighbor 66 

Cupid's Method 67 

Song of the Months 70 

The New Century and Year 73 

Waiting for the Trolley 75 

How TO SAVE A Little Money 76 

Tobacco 78 

Intemperance 79 

A Journey in Early Days 80 

viii 



Optimistic View of Life 
Pessimistic View of Life 
A Philanthropist . . 
The Weather .... 
Saint Andrew's bv the Sea 

To Irene 

Miscellaneous . , . 



CONTENTS 

Page 
85 



87 
88 
90 
92 
93 
94 



IX 



POEMS, RHYMES, 
AND SAYINGS 

TO MY MOTHER 

"PXEAR Mother, thou art gone 
^"^ To thy Heavenly rest, 
No longer here to mourn 

But mansioned with the blest. 

Yes, I remember well 

While yet a little lad 
The stories Mother 'd tell 

Which made us all so glad. 

When I did older grow 

She took me by the hand 
And told me all she knew 

About that better land. 

Whene'er I went astray 

And gave her mental pain, 
Her kind and gentle ways 

Soon brought me back again. 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Often to me she said, 

" Hast thee been good to-day ? 
Before thee goes to bed 

Thou shouldst in Spirit pray." 

When trouble Hke a deluge rolled 

Across her peaceful breast 
She never would give up her hold 

Of promised peaceful rest. 

My Mother believed in the Christian Faith 
That all things work together for good 

To those who will His teachings take 
For their daily Spiritual food. 

This is the first day of the week. 

" And wilt thee with me go 
To hear our Friends in meeting speak 

Of things which they do know ? 

" They do not always preach 

But often silent are ; 
They think they cannot teach 

Unless the Spirit's there." 

Drab is the color 

The Friends do most love ; 
They do not care for other 

Unless it be the dove's. 

2 



TO MY MOTHER 

A snow-white muslin cap 
My Mother's head adorned, 

With handkerchief to match 
Across her breast was worn. 

Gaudy colors she could not endure 
But always chose the plain. 

And if she could not these procure 
She waits and tries again. 

No rings or jewels did she wear 

To make a vain display. 
For all such things she did not care 

And from them turned away. 

No mourning emblems did she wear 

For her departed friends. 
But ever watchful for their care 

Until their life did end. 

Dear Mother, thou hast passed away 

To thy eternal rest; 
We a little longer stay 

Till Heaven shall think it best. 



A FAVORITE FAMILY 

^ I ""HERE is a family well known to me, — 
They have four sons and daughters three. 
These children are, if I am right. 
Compared with others fairly bright. 
If you wish to hear their names 
I will endeavor to call the same. 

Park is the oldest son. 

He can tell you much of ships of war. 

What in battle they have done 

In their action near and far. 

We believe he 's rather bright ; 

His Mother is sure in this we 're right. 

Be our opinions as they may, 

He '11 make his mark some future day. 

The oldest daughter is Marianne, 

And she 's a lovely little miss. 

She 's always happy when her papa comes. 

For then she 's sure to get a kiss. 

Edgar is the second son. 

And all agree the gentle one. 

A more docile lad it would be hard to find. 

All his comrades say he 's kind. 

4 



A FAVORITE FAMILY 

William is the third son, 
And they say the handsome one. 
Now William cares but little for toys 
But is always talking of soldier boys. 
A more active boy you could not find, 
But some do say he 's hard to mind. 

There is Clara in a glee. 
She always likes some fun to see. 
But does not think it much amiss 
When Grandpa comes and steals a kiss. 

Then comes Charlotte on a run 
To meet her papa when he comes, 
And is as happy as she can be 
If she can get upon his knee. 

The last to come is Baby Charlie, 

And he is as sweet as he can be. 

He is his Mother's pet, you see. 

And when Grandpa comes says " Candee." 

These children love the Sunday School, 
For here they are taught the Golden Rule. 
Some think this rule is hard to obey 
But we believe it will always pay, 
For kindness to another shown 
Is always pleasing to every one. 

'5 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Now, children, when you go to play- 
Always this Golden Rule obey, 
And if you love your playmates dear 
You will never cause them a tear. 

When Grandpa no more does come 
These children will wonder where he 's gone, 
Then one who seems to know the best 
Will tell them Grandpa has gone to rest. 



WAITING FOR SPRING 

/^H, why dost thou delay so long, 
^^ Thou charming lovely Spring ! 
We long to hear the birds' sweet song 
And see the flowers thou 'It bring. 

I hear the merry Bobby White. 

He 's calling for his absent mate. 
He 's weary of his lonely life 

And ready for a change to make. 

I oft do dream of early days 

When woods and fields were my delight, 
And in the shade of trees I lay 

To watch the wild birds' flight. 

When I was young, while yet a lad, 

I learned to love the woods when green. 

There I went when I was sad. 

Where all things seemed to me serene. 

I once was happy when a lad 

When Nature's beauties were so gay. 

No tyrant passion to make me sad. 
No corroding cares to mar my play. 



DAME NATURE 

T^AME Nature's quiet way, 
'^'^ Did me a lesson teach, 
How to live throughout the day 
A higher plane to reach. 

Nature whispers in the leaves of trees 
And in the fleecy clouds above. 

And in the soft sweet evening breeze 
That fans the flame of sacred love. 

Nature's laws so perfect are 
That we should them obey. 

If we do them disregard, 
The penalty we must pay. 



8 



TO FAIR IVA 

T7AIR Iva, what shall I say 
"^ Of thy approaching wedding day ? 
I wish you all the happiness and joy 
This world can give without alloy. 

Of all the days that thou hast seen 
This is the one of which thou wilt dream. 
Come weal, come woe, or come what may, 
Let love forever have its sway. 

I 'm told thou art so beautiful and fair 
That none of thy sex can with thee compare. 
But this comes from a friend I know, 
And I presume it is all just so. 

Still, while this friend is a clever young man 
He belongs to the Scottish clan 
Whose numbers are known where 'er they be, 
To pride themselves in their gallantry, 

And do not think it much amiss 
To tell a fib to obtain a kiss ; 
But I will tell thee, if thou wilt listen, 
They rarely, if ever, get the mitten. 



"WAR" 

" ^T^O write the crimes that war doth bring 
•^ Would make an endless scroll, 
Nor would the earth contain the thing 
Tho' stretched from pole to pole." 

Thus spoke a sage to a widow old 

Who had reared an only son. 
He had been drafted, she was told. 

And now he must carry a gun. 

Listening she heard the sound of a drum, 

Then a loud rap at her door. 
This she knew was a call for her son, 

Who now could help her no more. 

An officer entered with a stern command. 

" Madam, I Ve come for that young 
man." 
She said, " Would you take my son away 

And leave me to beg from day to day ? " 

" That it is hard I very well know, 
Still the orders I must obey. 
And to the front I 'm ordered to go. 
And they will hear of no delay. 

10 



"W AR" 

" I have a wife and children dear 
But must the order obey, 
And leave them all so friendless here. 
And go to war without delay. 

" Is there no way this war to shun ? 
Tell me, wise Sage, if you can. 
Must I always carry a gun 
Or else leave my Native land ? 

" Welcome the day when I may go 
Where peace and quiet reign. 
And leave this world of war and woe 
For a state that 's free from pain." 



II 



PASSION 

PASSION'S crimes so numerous are, • 
"^ It never waits for prudent thought, 
But rushes on to do or dare. 
Right or wrong it matters not. 

If trouble you would avoid 

When you are in a rage. 
Just think if you can afford 

In such a fight to engage. 

If we would our passions curb 
We should take time to consider 

Before we utter a word 

That we may regret forever. 

Friendships are often broken 

By passion's cruel sway ; 
For words we have spoken. 

Which we ought not to say. 

To habits we are slaves, 

And are so unawares. 
Then let us watch our ways 

And avoid the snares. 



12 



THE WORLD 

'T^ELL me, wise man, if thou can, 

When this mysterious world began ; 
And if it 's true, as some do say. 
That it will burn some future day ? 

The age of this mysterious world 
We have not yet found out. 
Six thousand years, we 're told 
By the "learned," is still in doubt. 

Science and art have tried in vain 
To fix a date and make it plain 
When this world first began. 
Or when and how it will end. 

When this world shall finally end 
Is not for us to know 
The great Creator does not intend 
On us this knowledge to bestow. 



is'' 



THE STRIKE 

/"^AN you call a people free 

^^ When they cannot labor as they like, 

Oft shot down as you may see. 

Because they do not join the strike ? 

We are told that people are free 

To join the party they like. 
Why is it they have to flee 

Or join the Union strike ? 

Where is our famous Washington 
Who knew the people's rights. 

When we have to suffer martyrdom 
Unless we join the strike ? 

Do we live where justice reigns 

Or in a land of equal rights. 
When we 're threatened to be slain 

Unless we join the strike? 

What about our Jefferson, 

The idol of our rights ? 
Would he approve of mobbing you 

Unless you joined the strike ? 
14 



THE STRIKE 

There comes the walking delegate, 

The author of the strike ; 
Why do the people tolerate 

The way he stirs up strife ? 

He claims to be the friend 

Of the workingman, 
But often he prevents 

Their working when they can. 

Then there comes the demagogue 
Who cares not for our rights ; 

He stands and sees you mobbed 
Unless you join the strike. 

If the Union we must join 

Or lose our legal rights. 
Why not call on Uncle Sam 

To set us all to rights ? 

What do you think of freedom. 

When your son cannot learn a trade 

Without the Union's permission 
And the Agitator's aid ? 

Boys run idle in the streets 

And vicious habits learn. 
Because the agitator speaks. 

And says, " You must take your turn." 

15 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Who are ready our taxes to pay ? 

Not the ones who strike ; 
Nor yet those who say, 

" You cannot labor when you like." 

They pay this walking delegate 

For stirring up the strife; 
They say they dare not hesitate 

For fear they 'd lose their life. 

Who pays our policemen 

Who laugh at the mobs. 
And do not seem to care 

How many people are robbed ? 

He is not paid by the Union, 

Nor by those who strike, 
But he is paid by the true men 

Who let men labor when they like. 

American freedom consists of this : 
A man can do and act as he likes. 

So long as he does not interfere 
With his fellows* legal rights. 

Who pays for our free institutions. 

Parks, pleasure grounds, and walks ? 
Is it not the citizen 

Who law and order talks ? 
i6 



THE STRIKE 

If we our legal rights must lose 
It better be by a foreign foe. 

Law and order should be the rule 
Of every true American soul. 

Who supports our public schools ? 

Is it he who causes strikes. 
Or the ones who would prevent 

A man from laboring when he likes ? 

Twice forty years have come and gone 

Since first I saw the light ; 
In all these years I ne'er have found 

A cause to join the strike. 



17 



i8 



THE HERO OF MANILA BAY 

"^/TOW, my friends, if you will hear, 
'''^ A story I will tell to-day ; 
It's of a valiant cavalier — 
The hero of Manila Bay. 

He is an Admiral of high renown, 
And to the war with Spain did go. 

There he sank their vessels down, 
Until there was not one to show. 

After this victory so complete. 
Without the loss of a single man. 

He, together with his fleet. 
Sailed toward his native land. 

On his arrival, you must know, 
The people did their hats upthrow. 

With joy and gladness carried away 
To meet the hero of Manila Bay. 

Money flowed in from every source 

To make a grand display. 
The people joined as in one voice. 

And all honor to him pay. 



THE HERO OF MANILA BAY 

The Admiral was approached 

By those who shove the quill : — 

Would he run for President, 
Should it be the people's will ? 

The Admiral replied with dignity, 

" The Navy is my delight. 
My duty is on a man-of-war. 

For my country there to fight." 

The Admiral was called to Washington^ 

Headquarters of the Navy ; 
There he met a fair one 

Who is a charming lady. 

Just what was done or said 

We cannot now quite tell, 
But we know it led 

To the marriage bell. 

The news went flying far and wide, — 
■ " The Hero of Manila Bay 
Has been captured by a lovely bride 
From whom he could not run away." 

His friends, they did in council meet. 

To see what they could do 
For him who did the enemy beat. 

And laid their fleet so low. 

19 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

They bought a house and furnished it well 
With everything so complete, 

Presented it to the Admiral 

For a home, through life to keep. 

That beautiful home the people had given 

To the Hero of Manila Bay, 
He to his wife did make a present, 

And thus conveyed it all away. 

Those who were disposed 

To look most favorably on it. 

Said that they supposed 

The wife had surely done it. 

He was on the high tide of fame. 

But this was before he wed. 
When he did a wife obtain 

The tide began to ebb. 

The politicians were wide awake 

To obtain an available man 
For the tail of a kite to take 

To help support the van. 

The Admiral often said 

No office would he take. 
But after he had wed 

He thought he had made a mistake. 
20 



THE HERO OF MANILA BAY 

That the Admiral was led astray 

We will not here decide. 
But where is the man that would say 

" Nay," 
To such a fair and lovely bride. 

If this Hero has gone amiss 

In anything he has done, 
Let us all the fault dismiss 

For the victories he has won. 



21 



THE OLD MAN'S LAMENT 

^T /"HEN I was young and in my prime 

I could travel in any clime, 
But now I 'm old and feeble grown 
And find it best to remain at home. 

My eyes are dim, I scarce can see. 
My hearing is not what it used to be. 
My limbs they do at times complain 
Of feebleness and aches and pain. 

When I wish on the street to go. 
How to escape danger I hardly know ; 
And were it not for a friendly arm 
I oft would meet with serious harm. 

Oh, that I might be able to see 
Some real happiness left for me. 
The Reverend divine replied most kind, 
" Thou still may have a tranquil mind. 

" Without this you cannot enjoy 
The blessings of life without alloy. 
A contented mind will give us rest, 
And thus secure our happiness." 

22 



THE OCEAN AT RYE BEACH 

TTERE the broad Atlantic Ocean 

Breaks against a rocky shore, 
Ebbs and flows with sad commotion. 
As it did in days of yore. 

Thousands of vessels, small and great, 
Have on its billows sailed and steamed. 

Have all gone down with their freight. 
Never more to be seen. 

A mighty warrior, it is said, 

Tried in vain to stop thy flow. 
He for centuries has been dead 

And still the tides do come and go. 

Nations may rise and nations fall, 

Still the tides will ebb and flow. 
Regardless of them one and all. 

Or of conditions high or low. 

Numberless thousands have found their graves 
Under thy turbulent briny waves. 

Where none could help or none could save 
And all sank down beneath thy waves. 

2Z 



TO MISS C. B. 

TTZHEN I was sojourning at Rye Beach 
A pleasant couple I chanced to meet. 
Mother dear and daughter fair 
Were the charming, loving pair. 

The kindness by the daughter shown 
Was sure by mother to be returned ; 
Their gentle manner and pleasant ways 
Secured to them our warmest praise. 

The daughter's devotion to mother dear 
Was something beautiful to see ; 
She could not rest till she did hear 
That mother was happy as she could be. 



24 



RYE BEACH, N. H. 

TTOW charming it is to meet 

Our pleasant friends at Rye Beach, 
And then to see the people bathe 
In old Ocean's briny wave. 

The walks and drives are now the same 
As they were when in our prime. 

Then we strolled through Lover's Lane 
When moon and stars did shine. 

If for a drive you have a mind 

When woods and fields are green. 

By the roadside flowers you will find 
And ferns which are seldom seen. 

If for an excursion you 're inclined 
Take in the Isles of Shoals, 

There it is the thing to dine, 
Then, on the rocks to stroll. 

If the revolving light you 'd see 
To White Island you must go. 

The keeper there will be 
This famous light to show. 



25 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

First we went to the Ocean House, — 
Job Jenness ran it in his prime, — 

There we met Ralph Emerson, 
And with him and Greeley dined. 

Straw's Point, named for a man of State 
Who was Governor at that time, 

There they had the festive clam-bakes 
And drank the Governor's wine. 

Now we have the Farragut 

With Philbrick at his head. 
Thus you see we are in luck. 

By fate and fortune led. 

Near forty years have rolled around 
Since first we saw this Beach. 

In all these years, we ne'er have found 
More pleasant friends to greet. 



26 



SCENES AT GLENS FALLS 

TX^HILE sojourning at Glens Falls 

A charming lady I chanced to meet, 
Raking the leaves as they did fall 
So noiselessly about her feet. 

This lady had a lovely way 

Of gathering flowers, from day to day, 
Presenting them to friends so dear. 

Which always brought them such good 
cheer. 

This charming lady has a sister fair 
Whose pleasant manner and gentle air 

Secure her welcome everywhere. 
And she seemed without a care. 

These lovely daughters have a father dear 

Who is in his eighty-first year. 
Who plays at golf with as good cheer 

As many men of half his years. 

Pleasant it was at the Rogers' home, 
When lawns and trees were green, 

There to meet those lovely ones 
Who made it all serene. 

27 



THE NOONDAY CLUB 

** I ""O the Noonday Club I often go, 

For there is the place to rest, 
And see our friends, whom we know. 
Are among the very best. 

Threescore years have passed around 
Since I first walked St. Louis' streets. 

In all these years I ne 'er have found 
More genial friends to greet. 

There you may see the merchant prince. 

The magnates of the rail. 
The bankers, too, are on the list. 

The millers seldom fail. 

If for a dinner you have a mind. 

Go to the Noonday Club. 
This is the place for you to dine. 

If you 'd have that which is good. 

Should you require atonic, 

A card is at your hand. 
You simply write upon it, 

" I '11 take the same old brand." 
28 



THE NOONDAY CLUB 

The manager is up to date, 
The waiters are all the same. 

You seldom will have long to wait, 
And if you do, they will explain. 

If you the latest news would see. 
To the reading-room you go. 

There, in profusion you will see 
The kind you wish to know. 

If billiards be your favorite game. 
Ample provision for this is made. 

Tables and balls for the same 
Are the best that can be made. 

Members here have equal rights. 
Are bound alone by honor's band ; 

Seldom it is that one gets tight. 
And if he does, he cannot stand. 

To enjoy the Club to its fullest extent 
You should call on Treasurer Knight, 

Pay up your dues in dollars and cents. 
For this, you know, is right. 



29 



TO ETHEL 

T KNOW a fair and pleasant miss 

Who to a boarding-school would go. 
She gave her friends a parting kiss 
For, she said she loved them so. 

Her friends on bidding her good-by 
To calm their emotions they did try, 

But could not control the falling tear 
Because she was to them so dear. 

Now she is gone and at her task. 
Fully resolved to lead her class. 

The two years will soon be past. 
How happy to return at last. 

Now thou art gone we'll think of thee. 
While so long absent from thy home. 

How sweet to greet thee it will be 

On thy safe return to Home sweet Home. 



30 



THE GOLDEN RULE 

^T~^ELL me, wise sage, if you can, 

"■• How I 'm to serve the Great I Am. 
Shall I this one, or that, obey ? 

They all do claim the righteous way. 

The reverend sage took time to reply 
As he said, " The subject 's grave. 

But as thou dost on me rely, 

I will tell thee a way to be saved. 

" They do serve their Maker best 
Who the Golden Rule obey ; 

It is superior to all the rest. 
For love doth have its sway. 

" Could this lovely principle 
Throughout the world prevail. 

We would have the millennium. 
For no one would assail. 

" War and carnage then would cease, 

No longer could it be. 
Man with man would be at peace. 

Heaven, on earth, we 'd see. 



31 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

" When love doth reign supreme. 
Peace and harmony there '11 be. 

Life's duties then are all serene. 
A happy people then you '11 see. 

" No more strife 'tween father and son, 
Nor daughter and mother dear. 

All will strive to help each one 
On their happy, earthly career. 

" Prisoners no longer will be required. 
As crime will have come to an end. 

Peace and harmony, so long desired. 
Will now over all extend. 

" No more strife 'tween capital and labor. 

All will on an equality stand. 
Each will vie to assist his neighbor 

Should he need a helping hand. 

" No longer strife and corroding care 
Would distract the mind of man. 

For all would with each other share. 

And thus comply with the wise command. 

" All trade and traffic would be conducted 

On principles of justice and right, 
No games of chance would be suggested 
To deceive the unwary's sight. 
32 



THE GOLDEN RULE 

" No longer the vessels of war 

To menace national rights. 
Or slay men by the score 

While in their horrible fights. 

" Armies and navies will be no more 
For the fighting and slaying of men, 

The millions of treasure spent therefore 
Will be used hereafter for benevolent end. 

" Kindness does produce its hke. 

In accord with laws divine. 
When it is to others shown 

Should be returned in kind. 

" That which you 'd have others do 

Do you the same to them. 
This to them will fully prove 

That you are still their friend." 



33 



TO FAIR ELIZABETH 

T TEREWITH you have the regrets of one 

Whom you did chance to meet 
While hunting for the robins* nests 
Years ago at Old Rye Beach. 

Now, fair Bessie, what shall I say, 
On this thy eventful wedding day, 
But to wish you all the happiness and joy 
This life can give without alloy ? 



34 



TO COUSIN JANE 

"1X711 EN I was young and scarcely grown 

I had a cousin fair : 
I loved to see her when at home. 
For I was happy there. 

Youth and health we both enjoyed : 

Our ages were about the same. 
My happiness was unalloyed 

When with fair cousin Jane. 

Now I do thee seldom see. 

For we live so far apart. 
Yet I often think of thee 

And wonder how thou art. 



35 



WEALTH 

'Tr^HE miser is to his money wed. 

"■" When he is forced with it to part, 
It is true, as some have said, 
That it almost breaks his heart. 

The king upon the throne, 

The beggar on the street ; 
When death does claim its own 

They on a level meet. 

Great wealth cannot give 

That serenity of mind 
So essential to have 

When in life's decline. 



36 



HOSPITAL DAY AT ST. LOUIS, MO. 

"^TOW, my friends, if you will hear 
•^ ^ That which we have to say. 
It will give you all good cheer. 
For it's of " Hospital Day." 

In all the year this is the time 

The ladies have their sway. 
When they the men remind 

That this is " Hospital Day." 

,At the Security Building 

A company of fair braves 
Captured all that entered 

And made them abject slaves. 

To obtain their freedom 

A ransom must be paid. 
Among so many millionaires 

A handsome sum was raised. 

The Noonday Club was there 

And ready for the fray, 
They invited the ladies to dine. 

For it was " Hospital Day." 

37 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Now the flag of truce 

Was unfurled to the wind. 

Thus the clever ruse 
Would be sure to win. 

At the ladies' dinner 

Those who were sad 
Were the antiquated bachelors 

Who failed to get a badge. 

As the building I did enter 
A charming lady did appear, 

" How do you do, Mr. E. ? 
I am pleased to see you here. 

" I am sure you know Mrs. C, 
The daughter of Mr. B. 

You will pardon me," she did say, 
"For this is * Hospital Day ? ' " 

Nothing could I say, 

For it took my breath away. 

Until I did remember 
It was "Hospital Day." 

"Mr. E., you have no badge. 

Now let me give you one. 
Be sure to tell your wife 

That I did pin it on." 
38 



HOSPITAL DAY AT ST. LOUIS, MO. 

Some did not understand 

Why the badges had such a run, 

Until they were informed 
That the ladies put them on. 

Now the hospitals have the money. 

Let us bear in mind 
The fair ladies have done it, 

And in a way most kind. 



39 



TIGER-LILY 

y WENT strolling on a summer's day 

Over the land so rough and hilly. 
What do you think I saw on the way ? 
It was a beautiful Tiger-Lily. 

I summed up courage and asked it why 
It did display it 's beauty here, 

When no one seemed to be passing by, 
And all was a desert far and near. 

The Lily replied at once and said, 

" Nature has kindly planted me here," 

And, raising aloft her beautiful head, 
" This is the place to me most dear." 



40 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES 

"ITT'HEN I was young and in my prime 
How pleasant to hear the Christmas 
bells, 
And listen to their musical chime, 
And the story they ever tell. 

Of all the days within the year, 

Christmas is the one we love ; 
It gives us all such good cheer, , 

And directs our thoughts above. 

We 're always glad when Christmas comes. 

Our friends we then do greet. 
And receive them in our cheerful home 

Where we all so merrily meet. 

Christmas comes but once a year. 

And is always sure to come ; 
Let us greet it with good cheer 

In our happy homes so dear. 



41 



THE ENJOYMENT OF LIFE 

T WILL tell thee what thee needs 

If thou wouldst enjoy this life, 
It is to practise all good deeds 
And to shun all kinds of vice. 

But how all this to do 

When nature doth oppose 
Is what I 'd like to know, 

As you may well suppose. 

The sage replied in a pleasant mood, 
" If thou wouldst heavenward go 

Thou canst not find a shorter road 
Than the * Golden Rule ' doth show. 

" Some think this rule hard to obey. 

But experience shows it will always pay, 

For kindness to another shown 
Is always pleasant to every one." 

Thou hast taught me many a thing 

Of which I did not know, 
And yet my mind doth others bring 

Which doubtless thou canst show. 

42 



THE ENJOYMENT OF LIFE 

Why all this strife for wealth and fame 
When this life seems so very short ? 

Can we look for any gain 

From the future wave of Naught ? 



43 



THE GRIM REAPER 

'"P^HE wealthy banker a year ago 

Was counting up his heaps of gold. 
Now in his tomb he lies so cold, 
Covered over with grime and mold. 

A year ago a charming bride 

Had been wed to one she loved. 

Now they 're sleeping side by side. 
Beneath the turf above. 

As life is so very short, 

And uncertain is its time. 
Why should we not be taught 

From the Holy Book divine? 



44 



NATURE 

"IXT'HEN nature robes herself in green, 

How grateful to the eye ; 
And sweet to hear the wild birds sing, 
Perched upon the trees so high. 

The silver brook doth wind its way 

Through flowery meads and fields so gay, 

The speckled trout their pranks do play 
In their element of sparkling spray. 

How sweet to view the starry dome. 
Where nature's beauties are so bright; 

And to see the setting sun 

When it displays its gorgeous light. 

Nature's mysteries we cannot understand. 

Why should we be so anxious to know ? 
Why not trust the omnipotent hand ? 

If not right, 'twould not be so. 

See nature in the briny ocean 
As it breaks on the rocky shore, 

Ebbs and flows with sad commotion, 
As it will forever more. 

45 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Nature's orb doth rule the day. 

Midst the starry dome of night 
The silver moon rolls on its way 

And adds its modest light. 



46 



THE VIOLET 

/^F all the flowers in the field 
^^ The Violet is the best. 
The lovely fragrance it doth yield 
Is sweeter than the rest. 

Its plain and modest robes. 

Its royal purple color. 
It perfumes our abodes 

With its delightful odor. 



47 



A SOLDIER'S LIFE 

A CHILD was born into the light. 

It was found to be a boy. 
It really was a tiny sight, 

But father's life and mother's joy. 

By mother's care and father's aid 
This boy did grow to man's estate. 

"Then on the sea of life," he said, 
" I will try a name to make." 

The roads to fame so numerous were 
He hardly knew which one to take, 

But fife and drum did fill the air 
And this at once did seal his fate. 

The soldier's life was now his lot 
And its laws he must obey ; 

Right or wrong it matters not. 

His fellow-man he 's bound to slay. 

Another period in time has passed, 

And age begins to show ; 
He must give up his gun at last, 

As he and all must know. 



48 



A SOLDIER'S LIFE 

Old age comes on apace, 
With all its aches and pains ; 

He 's run the soldier's race, 
But where are all his gains ? 



49 



OUR DOMESTICS 

T WILL tell you, if you desire, 

How many servants we require. 
For household work we now have four. 
And do not wish for any more. 

Bridget cooks the food we eat. 

She always wants the best of meat, 
But when she does her temper show 

The girls in the kitchen had better go. 

Jennie attends to the dining-room 

But does at times take up the broom, 

And when the fire in the furnace is low 
Jennie 's the girl to make it go. 

Molly knows how to make a bed 
And generally has a level head. 

For when the girls want money to spend 
Molly always has a litde to lend. 

The laundress' name I do not know. 
She always wants the sun to shine, 
For then she is able to dry her clothes 
In the yard upon the line. 
50 



TO A FRIEND 

/^OULD I but know what a friend would 

^^ wish 

Me to give for a Christmas gift, 

"When it would a pleasure be 

To meet his views, as you may see, — 

But in his mind I cannot look. 

So he will please accept this book. 



51 



RETROSPECTIVE VIEW 

"IXT'HILE listening to old ocean's wave 

Breaking against the sandy shore, 
Reminding me of former days 

When it was pleasant to hear it roar. 

When I was younger and in my best 
I loved to sport in the briny surf, 

With friends who are now at rest, 
Sleeping beneath the grassy turf. 

My sight is dim, I scarce can see, 

But memory is still upon the throne ; 

This gives a joy and peace serene 
To me before which was unknown. 

How lovely to think of former hours 
When days and nights so pleasant seem, 

For youth and health then were ours. 
No lowering clouds to mar the scene. 

How sweet to think of friends so dear. 
With eyes so bright and hearts so warm. 

In former years when we met here. 
Alas ! to think that they are gone ! 

52 



THE STRANGER'S LIFE 

TTT^HEN I was walking out, 

' ' A stranger I chanced to meet ; 
He seemed to be looking about 
For some kind friend to greet. 

As I approached I said, 

"My friend, what can I do for you ? 
Has some one you misled. 

And you know not where to go." 

" Thanks ! you are very kind, 

I think I 've lost my way ; 
You see, I 'm almost blind. 

And hence, I 've gone astray. 

" If you will kindly lead me home 

I will thank you very much. 
It is hardly safe to go alone 

In the streets, — there's such a rush." 

On our arrival at his home 

His wife to him did say, — 
" How glad I am that you have come, 

For long you 've stayed away." 

53 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

" Friend, since you have kindly seen me home 

Come in and take a rest. 
We are here all alone, 

And there 's nothing to molest. 

"And if you care to hear, 

A story I '11 relate ; 
It 's about my own career 

From infancy to date." 

The stranger seemed at ease, 

And told about his life, 
When he, like others, could see. 

And how he lost his sight. 

" It was on a winter's night 

About fourscore years ago 
When I first saw the light. 

If you would care to know. 

" By fortune's smile and parents' care 

I grew into my teens. 
And escaped the wily snares 

That oft beguile by evil means. 

" At first my lot was on a farm. 
Where a goodly living I earned. 

And many lessons there I learned 
Which in after years did me a turn. 

54 



THE STRANGER'S LIFE 

" I bound myself to learn a trade 
That would afford me sure support. 

Thus with my fortune partly made 
I soon could make a good report. 

" Having arrived at man's estate, 

Fully equipped with health and trade, 

On Dame Fortune did I wait 

With hope and expectation stayed. 

" Resolved to leave my native place 

And many friends so near, 
I travelled to a distant state 

To try my fortune there. 

" Dame Fortune was my friend 

And I did wait upon her. 
It is true she does defend 

Those who do her honor. 

" Now fairly entered into business life 

I began to look around 
To see if I could obtain a wife 

As good as could be found. 

" In this way I chanced to meet 
One more lovely than the rest. 

Then her company I did seek. 
And found that she was best. 



55 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

" Much more I might tell 

Of what was done and said, 
But as you know so well 

I '11 only say we wed. 

" Threescore years have rolled around 
Since I was led to choose my wife ; 

In all these years we ne'er have found 
A cause for serious strife. 

" Where love doth rule supreme, 
Peace and harmony will be there ; 

Life's duties then are all serene 
And free from all corroding care. 

" Trials we 've had of various kinds 
With stormy and pleasant days, 

Yet fortune has upon us smiled 
In many kind and pleasant ways. 

"In early life I called to mind 

How Dame Fortune by her gentle knock 
Informed me if I 'd be kind 

She *d help me in my lot. 

" We have sons and daughters bright, 

Gentle and comely too ; 
They give us that delight 

That nothing else can do. 
56 



THE STRANGER'S LIFE 

"Fourscore years have long since passed, 

Yet life is worth the living. 
If there's a thing which I do ask, 

It is the way which leads to heaven. 

" If the business you would know. 
In which I have taken a hand. 

It would be difficult to show, 
And for you to understand." 

As I arose to depart, 

He remarked to me, 
" It is well to have a talk. 

All so pleasant and so free." 

As I left his pleasant home 

He called to me and said, 
" I am glad that you did come 

And see me homeward led." 

When I returned to my cares. 

It was helpful all the day 
To think that I had unawares 

Helped a brother on his way. 

In life, we often find 

That kindness to others shown. 
Will be returned to us in kind, 

And thus contribute to our own. 



57 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

From the stranger's successful career 
A lesson we should learn thereby, — 

To always persevere 
And on ourselves rely. 

Why not then go about it, 

Never waiting for other's aid ? 

Let them see we do without it ; 
In this way our fortune is made. 



58 



SNOW 

/^ F all the weather that we see, 
^^ There 's nothing like the snow. 
It gives the young folks so much glee 
When in their sleighs they go. 

What they do most dread 

Are the boys who throw the balls. 
Each is fearful for his head 

When the snow begins to fall. 

When the snow begins to fall. 
It gives the boys great glee ; 

For then they throw a ball 
At every sleigh they see. 

When a sleigh doth appear, 
The driver seems to dread ; 

For a snowball he doth fear 
May be thrown at his head. 

Now a ball comes very near ; 

The driver looks around ; 
Not a boy does there appear. 

Nor is one to be found. 



59 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

The driver here would show 

His sleigh and bells so fine. 
And the horses seem to know 

There 's something on behind. 

The driver turned his head 

To see if this was so. 
Then a boy, it was said, 

Another ball did throw. 

The driver became excited 

And lost his presence of mind. 

From his sleigh he alighted 
And ran, the boys to find. 

The horses were feeling fine 

And started on a run, — 
Left John far behind. 

And the boys had had their fun. 

And many people said 

Of this ride in the sleigh. 
Had the driver not lost his head 

The horses would n't have run away. 

Now, boys, you should know 

This thing you 've done is bad. 
You should never at the driver throw. 
When his hands are tied. 
60 



SNOW 

If snowball you would play 

Choose your partners for each side, 
Then at each other pelt away 

Until you are satisfied. 

Boys should be early trained 
To respect the rights of others ; 

Then they would not be blamed 
For throwing at each other. 



6i 



STAR LIFE 

/^H that I might upward soar 
^"^ To some celestial star above. 
And there abide forever more, 
In the realms of perfect love. 

And leave this world of anxious care 

For a state of heavenly rest ; 
And to dwell forever there. 

In the mansions of the blest. 

Where love and harmony shall be our guide, 

To direct us on our way. 
And in all things to decide 

How we shall live from day to day. 

Where truth and justice will preside. 

And all on an equality stand. 
No selfishness there will abide. 

For all will join hand in hand. 

No perplexity or sordid care 

Would ever reach this happy home ; 

There all would with each other share 
Whatever good would come to one. 

62 



STAR LIFE 

No rich or poor would there be seen, 
All would have their wants supplied ; 

Life there would be all secure, 
Love and peace will there abide. 

Tyrant passions will no more 
Disturb their peaceful minds. 

For all their thoughts will upward soar, 
To think of Nature's grand designs. 

No sickness there would come ; 

All will be in perfect health. 
In this happy, celestial home. 

Which does constitute their wealth. 

No gold or silver there ; 

For it would have no use. 
The only thing for which they care 

Would be for love and truth. 

No ferocious beasts will there be known. 
The gambols of the lambs to mar. 

All will be happy in their homes. 
In this bright and brilliant star. 

The songs of birds there will be 
In praise of Nature's wise design. 

Perpetual flowers there we '11 see. 
By order of the Divine. 



63 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Charming music will there be heard, 

All will in concert sing. 
No discord there will disturb 

The sweet pleasure it will bring. 

No chilling frosts or scorching rays 
Will ever enter this starry home, 

But gentle zephyrs will ever play 
Everywhere in the starry dome. 

No sorrowing hearts will there be. 
For their own or others' crimes, 

For all will so plainly see, 

That they are governed by the Divine. 

No aching limbs or feverish brain 
Can ever enter this lovely home. 

Where love and truth forever reign, 
Sickness and pain can never come. 

If further knowledge you would see. 
How this celestial star may come. 

Love, truth, and charity 

Will bring it to your home. 

How this celestial star above 

May bring happiness all around, 
Send peace, charity, and love. 
And they will bring it down. 
64 



TO A LADY FRIEND 

A ^7" E were pleased to think of thee 
^ * When thou so far didst roam. 
Now we 're glad thy face to see, 
And give thee welcome home. 

Thy pleasant letters while abroad 

Came safely to our hands, 
And now our thanks we here record. 

For thy thoughts in foreign lands. 



65 



TO A FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR 

T KNOW a lady fair to see. 

She is our next door neighbor. 
She 's as lovely as she can be, 
And withal so very clever. 

She gave us a delightful treat. 
Fruits and flowers of many kinds. 

These, with dainties very sweet. 
Were flavored with choice wines. 

Now we thank you. 

Thank you very much. 
With one so good and true 

We love to be in touch. 



66 



CUPID'S METHOD 

" TTOW shall I woo thee^ matchless Fair F 
-*• -^ Thy heavenly smile how win ? 
Thy smile that smooths the brow of Care, 
And stills the storms within /* " 

There was a maiden fair. 

Who heard her lover say, 
" Oh, come with me and share 

My fortune, dear, I pray." 

" Now this I cannot do, 

I 'm happy at my home. 
If I should go with you 

I may be left alone." 

" Oh, do not say so ; 

My heart it will break. 
I do love you so, 

I '11 never you forsake." 

" 1 have a mother dear ; 

A father, too, so kind. 
How can I go with you 

And leave them both behind ? " 

67 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

" May I hope thy love to gain, 
And be reheved from this pain. 

Oh, how sweet it is to love, 

But sweeter, to be loved again ! " 

" My friends do say to me, 

Beware of any stranger : 
He may prove false to thee. 

And so, thy peace endanger." 

" Oh, tell me, love, the way 

To convince that I am true ; 
In that which I do say 

And all things that I do." 

" More of thy history I would know 

And the life thou hast led, 
Before on thee myself bestow 

And with thee do wed." 

" More of my history thou shalt know ; 

Born and reared of parents dear, 
When to manhood I did grow 

I still remained with them to cheer 

" My time I passed in such scenes 
Where nature does its charms display. 

Where I have a mind serene, 

And hope thy love to win some dav. 
68 



CUPID'S METHOD 

" If thou wilt bear with me 

One thing more I '11 ask. 
We '11 wait a year and see 

What then will come to pass." 

By some it is said 

Men do change their mind, 
And after they have wed 

They 're apt to be unkind. 

Of all the days I have lived 

This is the happiest of my life ; 

Now I feel that she '11 forgive, 
And, I hope, become my wife. 

No longer did she fear. 

But told her love with modest pride ; 
So I won my dear. 

Fair and lovely bride. 



69 



SONG OF THE MONTHS 

'' I ""HIS is the first month of the year, 

And of the century too : 
Let us hail it with a cheer. 
As we enter the new. 

The second month of the year, 

With its rain, frost, and sleet. 
Will cause the poor many a tear, 

Their various wants to meet. 

The third month of the year. 

With its storms and changing skies. 

Calls to mind that spring is near. 
And on this our hope relies. 

This is the fourth month of the year. 

With changing clouds and gentle showers 

The fragrant buds do now appear, 
And soon we '11 see the flowers. 

This is the fifth month of the year 

And the time when woods are green : 

And now the jasmine doth appear. 

And with other flowers may be seen. 
70 



SONG OF THE MONTHS 

This is the sixth month of the year. 

Dame Nature robes herself in green : 
The wild flowers now are here, 

And in the country may be seen. 

This is the seventh month of the year. 

The month of greatest heat : 
Now the cuckoo you may hear. 

In its solitary retreat. 

This is the eighth month of the year, 
The ground is parched and dry. 

The farmer he doth fear 

His crops may linger and die. 

Of all the months it is September 
Nature yields her richest gifts, 

In fruits and cereals without number. 
To the poor as well as rich. 

The tenth month now is seen. 

When nature gives us something new ; 
It doffs its coat of green 

And puts on a golden hue. 

Now as November does approach 
With its dark and dreary weather. 

Let us try to live in touch 
With the good and the clever. 



71 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

December is the last month of the year. 
And the time for Christmas greeting, 

Santa Claus will be here 

Ready for the children's meeting. 



72 



THE NEW CENTURY AND YEAR 

^ I ""HIS is another New Year's day : 

Let us hail it with deHght. 
Though many friends have passed away, 
Others remain whom we do like. 

A year ago how many hearts 

With filial love did beat : 
Have since been pierced with fatal darts. 

And are now in dreamless sleep. 

Of all the year, 'tis New Year's day 
That we do promise to reform. 

And if we do that which we say, 
Then our vows we '11 perform. 

Time cuts down both small and great. 
Without regard to wealth or fame : 

Rich and poor must meet their fate. 
Young and old the same. 

If in the past Dame Fortune frowned, 
And failed to do as you did wish, 

Then try again. She may come 'round : 
If she does, you '11 strike it rich. 

7Z 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

If a fortune we would win 

This is the way we should begin : 

Save up your pennies from day to day, 
Then the dollars will come your way. 

If you would Dame Fortune win, 
You must patiently wait upon her. 

Gather gold where 'er you can, 
That is justified by honor. 

As the old year passes away, 

A new one then has come. 
Now let us celebrate the day 

By greeting friends at home. 



74 



WAITING FOR THE TROLLEY 

TX^HEN I was waiting for the trolley 
^ A charming lady I chanced to meet. 
She always is so very jolly 

When her friends she does greet. 

The flowers came to us all right, 
They were as lovely as they can be. 

They gave us all so much delight 
For which we now do thank thee. 



75 



HOW TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY 

'' I ""HERE is a nice young man, 

He lives in Walnut Hill ; 
He does the best he can 
For his purse to fill. 

But the money it does go 
For one thing and another, 

Until his purse gets low. 
And he seldom has a dollar. 

Now he 's found a way 

Which will not give him sorrow ; 
It is not to smoke to-day. 

But wait until to-morrow. 

As to-morrow never comes. 
Some money he has gained ; 

Quite a little sum, 

Which he now retains. 

Now he has some money 

To buy what he does like ; 
But will never spend a penny 
For a cigar to light. 
76 



HOW TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY 

If Dame Fortune he would win. 
This is the way he should begin. 

Save up his pennies from day to day ; 
The dollars will surely come his way. 



77 



TOBACCO 

nr^OBACCO is a noxious weed. 

And does pollute the air. 
To filthy habits it does lead, 
And drains our pockets bare. 

This useless habit to many so dear 
We seldom consider its cost ; 

For the time of just one year 
Fifty dollars and over is lost. 



78 



INTEMPERANCE 

"DEWARE of drink that steals the brain; 
-^ Many have been ruined thereby. 
Thousands have by it been slain. 
Numberless more are cause to sigh. 

Of all the evils of our race 

Intemperance is the greatest curse. 

When once the habit we embrace 
We are numbered with the worst. 



79 



A JOURNEY IN EARLY DAYS 

^ITZHEN I was young, yet in my teens, 
^^ More of the West I 'd know; 
From New York to New Orleans 
I set out to go. 

A railroad was then a thing unknown ; 

Staging was our only way. 
Thus we started and travelled on 

All the night and through the day. 

A jolly company of nine we were, 

Each one armed to the teeth. 
Ready for to do and dare 

Should an enemy be in reach. 

Four prancing steeds drew us along 

For twelve miles at a time, 
When we exchanged for others strong 

That pulled so hard upon the line. 

Thus we went o'er hill and dale, 

Towards the setting sun. 
When wild beasts crossed our winding trail 

Our steeds would start to run. 
80 



A JOURNEY IN EARLY DAYS 

At times we met an Indian wild 

Emerging from the wood ; 
Not far behind a squaw and child 

Were following as best they could. 

The Indian, when he us did spy, 
Quickly raised his tomahawk. 

But when he saw our gun so nigh. 
He was ready for a talk. 

Now we 're on the national highway. 
The first the nation ever made ; 

It was projected by Henry Clay, 
Whom, some say, was never paid. 

At last we reached the Ohio, 

Where we took a boat ; 
But the river was so low 

Our craft could hardly float. 

Dame Fortune did upon us smile. 

As there came a heavy rain. 
This sent us down many a mile, 

And therefore our object gained. 

Great droves of buffalo came 

To the river to quench their thirst ; 

Our guns we raised with steady aim 
To see who 'd kill the first. 
6 8i 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

We then our boat would land, 
Take on of meat a fresh supply ; 

Enough to sustain our band 
Until other game we 'd spy. 

After working night and day, 
Having many lucky escapes. 

We at the town of Cairo lay 
To repair our numerous breaks. 

Here the waters of the Ohio 
Mingle with the Mississippi ; 

Then southward they do flow 
To the gulf of Mexico. 

Our comrades now are in a glee 
So swiftly are we passing down ; 

The Crescent City soon we '11 see, — 
When there, we '11 look around. 

Our rejoicing soon turned to grief 
As our boat struck a snag. 

And there seemed no relief 

When our barge began to drag. 

Dame Fortune was again our friend. 
As we soon did mend the break. 

She always will her aid extend 
If we a hand will take. 
82 



A JOURNEY IN EARLY DAYS 

' This city some do not like, 

For the people are of varied color ; 
Some are black, others white, 
Some neither one nor the other. 

The people were very kind 
And seemed to take delight 

In asking us out to dine 

And showing us all the sights. 

Now I resolved to try 

To return by the ocean-route ; 

So I bade my friends " good-bye " 
And for a vessel looked about. 

Ocean steamers were then unknown, 

So I took a merchant-ship, 
And I found myself alone 

On my homeward trip. 

Now, when we started out 

With a gentle southern breeze 

For three days, or about 
We were all well pleased. 

Thus we sailed along 

For several hours or more. 
The wind became so strong 

Our sails we had to lower. 

83 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

Now the storm is raging, 

The sea runs mountains high ; 

Our ship is badly leaking, 

And destruction seems so nigh. 

But Dame Fortune once more 

Comes to our relief, 
Though we hear the breakers roar 

As we pass the dangerous reef. 

The grandeur of the sight 

While the elements were at war 

Disarmed us of all fright 

Though the danger clouds we saw. 

When the day began to close 
The wind had ceased to blow. 

And the much needed repose 
We sought in the cabin below. 

The morning dawned clear and bright 
After storming all the night, — 

New York city now in sight 
And we 're home again all right. 



84 



OPTIMISTIC VIEW OF LIFE 

nr^HE news went flying on the wire, 

A baby boy was born, to-night. 
As he did grow, his friends admire. 
For they said he was so bright. 

This boy did grow to be a lad 

And to the school he 's on his way, 

But often is so very sad 
As he would prefer to play. 

Now he 's just out of his teens, 

And for his books no more does care ; 

He 's looking for more lovely scenes 
In the company of the " fair." 

He now has grown to manhood's prime 
And is ambitious to carve his name 

Far above where others climb, 
In a niche to secure his fame. 

By close attention day and night 

He his object has obtained. 
And carved his name at such a height 

That he makes sure his fame. 

85 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 

The love of life now runs high. 

His happiness would seem complete; 
Yet he does in secret sigh 

For higher honors to compete. 

He is now in life's decline. 

Ambitious paths he no more does tread ; 
But cultivates the word divine 

And attributes of love instead. 

" O/j, sweet retirement^ friend of my declining 
yearSy 

In youth I saw thy pleasant shade ; 
In manhood still thy charms displayed 

And now I look to thee for aid.'^ 



86 



PESSIMISTIC VIEW OF LIFE 

"V/TAN is ushered into life 

"^ In a world of toil and strife ; 

After a time he 's called to go, 

When and where there 's none may know. 

Life is a contest between right and wrong, 
That which we should and should not do. 

The weak is subject to the strong, 
Hence the course we do pursue. 

Our judgment leads us to the right ; 

Our inclination to the left would go ; 
Through life we 're in a constant fight 

Between what we should and should not do. 

Threescore years and ten we say 

Is the time we have to live ; 
Should we here much longer stay 

Life has no joys for us to give. 

With hope and expectation strong 

We still do cling to life. 
Notwithstanding all the wrong, 

And the constant toil and strife, 

87 



A PHILANTHROPIST 

'' I ^O all who would wish to see 

About this story they do tell, 
It is of the famous Carnegie 

Who spends his millions all so well. 

By his heroic muscle and brain, 
And Dame Fortune's timely aid. 

He a colossal fortune gained 
By the steel and iron trade. 

When this fortune was obtained 
And in his mind well understood, 

Then he said, " I '11 invest the same 
Where it will do the greatest good." 

He did not wish to leave, 

When he was called to rest. 
This vast estate which he achieved. 

For other people to invest. 

This famous philanthropist was heard to say, 

" I have millions in my store. 
Which I propose to give away 

To worthy objects needing it more." 

L.oFC. 



A PHILANTHROPIST 

Of all the wealthy in the land 
There 's none, that we can see, 

Who gives with such a liberal hand 
As does our famous Carnegie. 



89 



THE WEATHER 

"p\ID you ever consider 
"*^ How much we talk of the weather ? 
It matters not when or where, 
The subject is sure to be there. 

The first one we meet in the morning 

When WQ open our door, 
He will tell you the state of the weather 

Although you knew it before. 

When on the street you go 

And happen to meet a friend you know, 
The first word he will say 

Is to tell of the weather to-day. 

If I must tell you what I have heard 

Of this thing so absurd, 
It is when they tell you it's a pleasant day 

It's because they have nothing better to 

say. 

I know a man whom I will not name. 

He'll pretend to tell you when it will rain ; 

When the day he sets arrives 

You rarely see more clear the skies. 

90 



THE WEATHER 

The same will tell the mariner when it will 
blow. 

But this will prove he does not know, 
For when he 's looking for a place to land 

You 're surprised to see the weather so calm. 

The wiseacre will tell you when it will snow. 
But this will prove he does not know, 

For when you have got ready your sleigh 
You 're astonished to find it a warm day. 

Now the Bible on this subject is plain 
And tells you when the v/ind doth blow ; 

" Thou canst not tell from whence it came 
Or whither it doth go." 



91 



SAINT ANDREW'S BY THE SEA 

TTT'HILE sojourning at Rye Beach, 

' ^ Where walks and drives are fine, 
A charming lady I chanced to meet 
Who is so gentle and so kind. 

This lady is so fair to see ; 

To church she invited me to go, — 
At Saint Andrew's by the Sea 

Where flowers and ferns do grow. 

Saint Andrew's by the Sea 

Where people are wont to go ; 

There on the bended knee 
To their Creator bow. 

Saint Andrew's by the Sea, 

Where Nature's beauties are displayed ; 
With ferns, flowers and trees, 

By which it is arrayed. 

Saint Andrew's by the Sea, 

On New Hampshire's rocky shore ; 
It is as rural as it can be, 

Where you hear the ocean roar. 
92 



TO IRENE 

'\7'OU will please receive, my fair Irene, 

The regrets of one you ne'er have seen. 
But we hold in sweet remembrance here 
Those mutual friends who are so dear. 



93 



MISCELLANEOUS 

TX T'HY did the great Creator, 
^^ With all his infinite skill. 
So constitute our Nature 
That we each other kill ? 

The reason why we may not know. 

But let us judge it best, 
Otherwise it would not be so. 

So here we may let it rest. 



** I ""HERE is a happy family. 

Their name I need not tell. 
They live in pleasant harmony. 
And near the city dwell. 

But let me tell you what I 've heard. 
And when the thing they say occurred. 

Last Thursday night there came to town 
A very funny little miss 

Without a stitch of clothing on, 
And they call her name Eunice. 
94 



MISCELLANEOUS 



TF Dame Fortune you would win, 

I will tell you how to begin ; 
Save your pennies from day to day 
And the dollars will come your way. 



TF thou wouldst thy health preserve 

Which renders life the worth of living, 
Then thou must its laws observe 

And never from these laws be driven. 



^T^HE flowing bowl the Youth doth charm. 

But Prudence sounds the alarm. 
And if thou dost its voice obey. 
Thou wilt rarely go astray. 



TF thou wouldst have a tranquil mind 
To the poor thou shouldst be kind, 
Relieve their wants as they may need. 
And prove thyself a friend indeed. 

95 



POEMS, RHYMES, AND SAYINGS 



TTT'HEN kindness is shown to you, 

Be sure to return as much. 
With the good and true 
We love to be in touch. 



nr^O custom we must conform ; 

Of this there is no doubt. 
If we try it to reform 
We '11 surely be left out. 

TV/r EMORY goes back to early scenes 

When all things seemed so bright, 
Strolling to the woods when green 
Which gave me pure delight. 

Trees, shrubs, and fragrant flowers 
Adorned the landscape view. 

All refreshed by gentle showers 
And by the falling dew. 

Thus Nature's beauties were displayed 
By all that 's pleasant to the sight, 

With hanging clouds throughout the day 
And shining stars by night. 

96 



MISCELLANEOUS 



T KNOW a lady fair to see. 

And in all things so discreet. 
She's as lovely as she can be, 

Her dress is always plain and neat. 

She gave us all a pleasant surprise, 
As we were enjoying the evening air. 

She called to bid us all good-bye, 
Before she sailed for the Paris Fair. 

Now thou art gone, we '11 think of thee, 
Whilst absent from thy home. 

How charming, lovely it will be. 
To meet thee on thy safe return. 

/^H, would that I could as others see, 
^^ For then I would not embarrass'd be. 
But now I oft my friends surprise 
Because I cannot them recognize ! 

jT'INDNESS to another shown 

Is always pleasing to every one ; 
Then let us to them gently speak, 
That their friendship we may keep. 



97 



NOV 29 1901 



NOV 3"2 1901 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

015 905 356 8 






1 (ItikJ^^ 



